Alex Dowsett of Movistar, who also finished among the main bunch in 48th, described conditions as “very unpleasant”, while 24-year-old Quick-Step rider Bob Jungels tweeted it was “the coldest day on a bike so far for me”.

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The four breakaway riders forge ahead through the wintry conditions

The six-day, five-stage race in Switzerland is an early indicator of form before July’s Tour de France, which Team Sky rider Froome will be bidding to win for a fourth time – and the third in succession.

Friday’s third stage is a 187km ride starting and finishing in Payerne that includes four category-three climbs.